Ring toss game and system including pierced ring

ABSTRACT

A highly-portable and stylized ring toss game which includes a pierced ring. The piercing in the ring allows a string to be threaded directly through the ring, thereby removing the need to tie a string to the ring and removing the element of string tension from the game, thus allowing for more creative tricks and more uniform gameplay. The ring is suspended from the string a distance away from a backboard with a hook. The ring is tossed along a path toward the backboard with the intent of hooking the ring onto the hook. The ring may be spun or flipped to perform this feat in more dramatic fashion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/684,445, filed Aug. 17, 2012, which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a ring toss game, and morespecifically to a ring toss game system including a pierced ring capableof rotating freely about a string for more complicated tricks duringperformance of the game.

2. Description of the Related Art

Ring toss games involving a ring, a hook, and a board have existed for along time. Similar games which also involve a rod extending out abovethe board with a string affixed to the rod and the ring have also beenaround for quite some time. Variants of this game come in a number ofnames, such as “Bimini Ring,” “Bimini Toss,” “Tiki Toss,” “Wallhooky,”and, simply, “Ring Toss.”

The typical set-up for such a game requires the user to place a hooksomewhere, either temporarily or permanently. A ring is then affixed toa string by tying the string directly to the edge of the ring. The otherend of the string is affixed to a rod or other object, allowing the userto swing the ring from a starting position and attempt to hook the ringonto the hook.

The problem with existing ring toss games is that the string can becomewound up over time as the ring twists and spins. This can cause thestring to shorten and wear out prematurely. This can also affect theoutcome of a game as the string unwinds and places unnatural spin ontothe ring.

Another problem with typical ring toss set ups is the permanence of thegame. Most set-ups require a hook to be permanently affixed to a wall.This limits the mobility of the entire game.

What is desired is a highly-portable version of the ring toss game whichincludes a ring that does not introduce unnatural tension into thestring as the ring is tossed and spun. Heretofore there has not beenavailable a ring toss game with the advantages and features of thepresent invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a highly-portable and stylized ringtoss game which includes a pierced ring. The piercing in the ring allowsa string to be threaded directly through the ring, thereby removing theneed to tie a string to the ring and removing the element of stringtension from the game. This allows for more creative tricks and moreuniform gameplay.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating variousobjects and features thereof

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a ring toss game system showing the ringin motion.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of an embodiment of a portable ringtoss board and hook.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a portable ringtoss board and hook.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of a portable ring tossboard and hook.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a portable ring toss boardand hook.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of an embodiment of a ring for a ringtoss game including a pierced hole.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a ring for a ring tossgame including a pierced hole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS I. Introduction andEnvironment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosedherein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects aremerely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart how to variously employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description forconvenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up,down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientatedin the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly”refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometriccenter of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof.Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction oftravel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the wordsspecifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similarmeaning.

II. Preferred Embodiment or Aspect Ring Toss Game System 2

An embodiment of the ring toss game system 2 typically includes abackboard 4, a hook 6, a ring pole 12, a string 14, and a ring 16.Alternatively, the ring pole could be replaced with a simple eye-hookplaced into the overhanging structure above the backboard.

As shown in FIG. 1, the backboard 4 is mounted on a wall 24, a pole, orsimilar structural element using a nail or a screw 10. Alternatively,the backboard could be glued or otherwise temporarily or permanentlyaffixed to the structure 24 using double-sided adhesive 22. A pair ofmounting holes 8 are pre-drilled into the backboard 4 to facilitatemounting. The hook 6 is mounted on the front face of the backboard. Apre-drilled hole accepts the hook.

The ring pole 12 is also mounted to the structure 24. This can be doneusing a mounting plate screwed to the structure which holds the poleabove the backboard. Alternatively, any over-hanging structure can beused, such as the ceiling or a beam running above the game system 2. Forexample, an eye-hook could be screwed directly into the over-hangingceiling to accomplish the same purpose. At least 5 horizontal feetshould be provided between the backboard and the eye-hook or the freeend of the ring pole 12.

A string 14 descends from the free end of the ring pole 12.Alternatively, an eye-hook may be affixed to the free end of the pole,and the string could be affixed to that hook. A ring 16 is affixed tothe string. The ring is free to swing from the ring pole, with theultimate goal of encircling the hook 6 such that the ring is captured bythe hook.

FIGS. 2-5 show an example of the backboard 4 in more detail. FIG. 3shows double-sided tape 22 affixed to the rear face of the backboard.This tape can be used to mount the backboard to a structure 24. Toincrease mobility and portability of the game system, a hook-and-loopconnecting element (such as Velcro®) could be affixed to the back-sideof the backboard 4. The matching portion of the hook-and-loop connectingelement could be affixed to a number of walls or vertical structures,allowing the game system to be moved to different locations with ease.

In the primary example shown in FIGS. 1-5, the backboard 4 is shapedlike a surfboard. The backboard could be of any desired shape andinclude any desired pattern. For example, the backboard could be in theshape of an American Football helmet sporting a team logo. In thepreferred embodiment, the backboard is made of bamboo; however, anymaterial would suffice including metal and plastic. In the case of wood,multiple wood types may be used to create patterns, and the wood may bestained in creative ways. Additionally, the backboard can be paintedwith designs or names.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the ring 16 in more detail. The string 14 is insertedthrough a pierced hole 18 in the ring 16. The string may be tied off atthe end to form a knot 20, thereby preventing the string from slippingout of the pierced hole. Alternatively, a fixture may be adhered to theend of the string 14 to facilitate the same result.

With the string fitted through the hole 18, rather than tied about theedge of the ring 16, the ring is free to spin about a central axis 26.This allows the user of the game to freely spin the ring to performtricks. If the string were tied about the ring's edge, the string itselfwould wind up. When the string winds up, it adds tension to the stringwhich can shorten the string's life and add unwanted spin to the ring,which could negatively affect game performance.

The present system facilitates a portable game system 2 which couldeasily be semi-permanently or permanently mounted to a structure duringuse. The system provides an easy to set up entertainment opportunitythat has advantages over previous iterations of similar ring toss games.

It is to be understood that the invention can be embodied in variousforms, and is not to be limited to the examples discussed above. Therange of components and configurations which can be utilized in thepractice of the present invention is virtually unlimited.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desiredto be secured by Letters Patent is:
 1. A ring toss game systemcomprising: a backboard with a front face; a ring having a generallytoroidal body; a single hole piercing the body of said ring; said ringsuspended from a string threaded through said hole, wherein the distancesaid string is located from said backboard is approximately equal to thelength of said string; and a hook located in proximity to the center ofsaid backboard front face, said hook adapted for receiving said ring. 2.The ring toss game system of claim 1, further comprising: said backboardincluding a rear face; and said backboard mounted to a wall, whereinsaid back face is placed facing said wall.
 3. The ring toss game systemof claim 1, further comprising: a pole having a proximal end and adistal end, said pole extending generally horizontally above saidbackboard; and said string being suspended from said distal end of saidpole.
 4. The ring toss game system of claim 1, wherein said backboard iscomprised of bamboo.
 5. A method of setting up and playing a ring tossgame, the method comprising the steps: mounting a backboard having afront face and a rear face to a wall such that said backboard rear faceis facing said wall; locating a hook in said backboard front face suchthat said hook is centrally located in said backboard front face;threading a length of string through a pierced hole located in a ringand securing said ring to an end of said string via a knot located inthe end of said string; suspending the ring from said string at adistance away from said backboard approximately equal to the length ofsaid string; and tossing said ring toward said backboard such that saidring engages with said hook.